Ming Lingyi froze when she heard him.
Had it been like a moment ago, she could have fought back against Li Yun.
But he just had to say something like that, and for a moment, she was at a loss for how to respond.
Ming Lingyi fell silent, making the room seem even quieter.
Li Yun finally released his grip after a moment. His presence in the room made the already small, cramped bedroom feel even more suffocating.
Ming Lingyi sighed. From where she sat, she had a clear view of the red handprint from the slap she'd given Li Yun.
It was, she had to admit, quite distinct.
Li Yun's skin was naturally fair. Even when it had been tanned to a wheat color during his past military campaigns, a winter spent indoors had restored it.
Ming Lingyi hadn't held back at all, and now, under the candlelight, the five-fingered mark was starkly visible on his cheek.
"I can let tonight's events go. Just leave now." Li Yun's words had stirred a flicker of emotion in Ming Lingyi, but nothing more.
